Washington, D.C. —
Senator John Thune today praised negotiators from both the United States and South Korea for their agreement to lift the South Korean ban on U.S. beef. South Korea has closed its doors to imports of U.S. beef since 2003.
"This is great news for cattle producers across the country," said Thune. "The beef that is produced by the hard working men and women of the U.S. cattle industry is some of the safest in the world according to the World Organization for Animal health and South Korea is long overdue in ending these unnecessary restrictions."
The announcement from leaders in both countries came as President Bush prepares to meet this weekend with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Prior to the ban, South Korea was the second largest market for U.S. beef and veal exports, accounting for 24 percent of all U.S. beef exports valued at $183 million per year. According to industry analysts, South Korea's market potential totals $1 billion and could soon be the number one consumer of U.S. beef.
Senator Thune's most recent letter to President Bush urging resolution of this issue can be viewed here.
For more information on this agreement, please visit the U.S. Trade Representative's website at: http://www.ustr.gov.
"This is great news for cattle producers across the country," said Thune. "The beef that is produced by the hard working men and women of the U.S. cattle industry is some of the safest in the world according to the World Organization for Animal health and South Korea is long overdue in ending these unnecessary restrictions."
The announcement from leaders in both countries came as President Bush prepares to meet this weekend with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. Prior to the ban, South Korea was the second largest market for U.S. beef and veal exports, accounting for 24 percent of all U.S. beef exports valued at $183 million per year. According to industry analysts, South Korea's market potential totals $1 billion and could soon be the number one consumer of U.S. beef.
Senator Thune's most recent letter to President Bush urging resolution of this issue can be viewed here.
For more information on this agreement, please visit the U.S. Trade Representative's website at: http://www.ustr.gov.